President Jagdeo swears-in Public Service Commission members  

A six-member Public Service Commission, that will be tasked with among its many functions, conducting examinations for appointments was officially sworn in by President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President today. 

            The members are;- Ganga Persaud; Michael Desmond Hope; Vedyawattie Looknauth; Vera Naughton; Carvil Duncan and Cecil Seepersaud.

             The Public Service Commission which is a constitutional body has been in existence for decades.

            Persaud, in an invited comment, said that the commission has very urgent matters for deliberation, and conclusion and explained that there are two vacancies that would have attracted applications, for which applicants would be awaiting a response. The commission will be deciding on these shortly, he said.

           

Persaud pointed out that the commission is mandated to enhance the public service and life of public servants, emphasising that the basic function of the constitutional body is to make appointments, and that without its existence, such cannot be done.

            He noted that the members are also tasked with adjudicating on disciplinary matters, underlining that there may be persons in this category who are tense, because of no decision being made, thus far.

            He also stressed that the commission is the regulatory mechanism of the public service, since they are also tasked with dealing with the aspects of superannuation benefits for retiring public officers and acting appointments salary approval so that payments can be made for such functions.

            The commission will be holding its first meeting on October 25, and based on an advisory from the body’s secretary, the first order of business will be the appointment of a chairman and deputy chairman, after which the commission will commence its functions.  

Guyana, Ecuador to hold talks on developing a protocol for democracy, combating drug trade

A delegation from Ecuador, headed by its Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino is in Guyana for talks with the Guyana Government, primarily with regards to the process of the handing over of the Chairmanship of UNASUR to President Bharrat Jagdeo.
            on Thursday evening the group met with Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett to discuss issues Guyana would like to advance and the process for handing over of the chairmanship.
           Apart from the UNASUR discussions, the two countries will also hold talks on developing a protocol for democracy; combating the drug trade, and climate change mitigations.
            Minister Rodrigues-Birkett in a warm welcome to the Ecuadorian delegation said that it was her first meeting with the Foreign Minister, since the crisis in Ecuador that threatened the democratic process, reiterating Guyana’s firm adherence to democratic principles and support for the Government of Ecuador.
            Ecuador currently holds the chairmanship of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).
             The Minister pointed out that Guyana was expected to assume the chairmanship of UNASUR in August; but that this will now take place on November 26, on the occasion of the fourth summit, when Ecuador’s President Rafeal Correa will hand over the chair to President Jagdeo.
            While emphasising Guyana’s pleasure for being able to host its South American counterpart, the Minister said that discussion on bilateral relations, in addition to the transition of the chairmanship and issues that arose during Ecuador’s leadership will also be discussed.  
            Giving a brief background, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett alluded to the signing of the constitutive treaty on May 23, 2008, pointing out that there were several meetings leading up to the historic event.
            She reiterated that though the grouping is still very young, much has been achieved, although there is still more to be done, noting that Guyana as the chair of the organisation will do its best.
            Meanwhile, the Ecuadorian Foreign Minister while addressing media operatives expressed his interest in strengthening relations with the Government of Guyana.


Minister of Foreign Affairs, Caroline Rodrigues-Birkett (second from left), flanked by Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino and visiting delegation during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

            “We believe that we have a lot to give to each other since we have a common history and we believe that the strengthening of UNASUR and our bilateral relations will have a positive impact on our people,” Minister Patino stated.
            However, there still needs to be two more signatory countries to ratify the treaty and, according to the Spanish speaking Minister, it is his hope that by the time the chairmanship is handed over this will be met. There are currently seven countries already signed on, with the exception of the two.
            “Ecuador would offer all the support that is necessary to assist the administration of Guyana to successfully carry the chairmanship of UNASUR,” he stated.
            In an invited comment, on the protocol of democracy to be developed Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said that it is expected that the protocol will be passed by the Heads State at the upcoming summit.
         

Ecuadorian Foreign Minister calls on President Jagdeo
- to discuss hand over of UNASUR chairmanship

In further efforts at advancing the strengthening of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), and in preparation for the handing over of the rotating chairmanship, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino, and a delegation of seven on a one-day visit to Guyana on Thursday, met with President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President.  


President Bharrat Jagdeo is greeted by Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino, during a courtesy call at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul drive. (Sandra Prince Photo)

            “We had the opportunity to coordinate the activities of UNASUR for the last time and now it’s the turn for Guyana, and we are very pleased to hand over all the information of all the work we have done so that Guyana can take over the chairmanship,” Minister Patino said.
            The Spanish speaking Minister through an interpreter noted that the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Guyana and Ecuador are currently in discussions, which will be focused on preparation for the handing over and agenda of the November 26 meeting to be held in Guyana.
            At the fourth UNASUR Summit, there will be a meeting of national delegations of each of the signatory countries on November 23 and 24. This will be followed by discussion by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Heads of State on November 26 and will conclude with the handing over of the chairmanship.


From left;- President Bharrat Jagdeo, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino and interpreter during courtesy call at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul drive.
(Sandra Prince Photo)  

             “We are very pleased to be here in Guyana. It is the first time I came here and I truly feel that it is a very familiar environment to our cities and we are very happy to have that relationship and to have received such courtesy,” the Foreign Minister stated.
            President Jagdeo also came in for high praise from the visiting Foreign Minister, as it relates to the solidarity shown to the country.
            “We also had the opportunity to thank the President of Guyana for his solidarity with Ecuador through the difficult times we had when there was an attempt on our country and for that we are grateful,” he posited.